Exotic Aquatics of the Gulf Coast

Exotic Aquatics of the Gulf Coast

They come from all over the world. Some arrive as stowaways on boats, some are smuggled here in suitcases and cars, some come in aquariums... but they all have one thing in common: they are not native to our area. While some exotic species are not harmful to our community, many species behave like unwelcome intruders, often out-competing beneficial native plants and animals.

The problem with exotic species is that they can cause harmful changes to our natural biological communities. For example, some eat species that are native to our area, or out-compete them for food. They can change the physical habitat, making it a less comfortable or even stressful place for native species to continue to live and reproduce.

A multitude of exotic plants, animals and micro-organisms that have found their way to our continent. Exotic species, or non-native plants and animals, are often stowaway organisms that hitch a ride on an air or water current, boat, or plane and find their way to a foreign shore. Sometimes imported species, such as nutria or water hyacinth, escape from enclosures into the wild. About 15% of these new species find the new environment ideal. Many become invaders, causing widespread problems. Problems arise when these organisms reproduce unchecked by natural controls or predators. The cost of dealing with and trying to control exotic species that have become pests is very high. Groups concerned with preserving and conserving the environment in a watershed must be aware of the presence of exotic species within their watershed and the potential impact they can have if left unchecked.

They have 3 characteristics in common:

prolific reproduction

broad ability to adjust to environmental stress

advanced capacity to acquire nutrition

WANT TO LEARN MORE?
Click here to find out more about particular exotic aquatics of the Gulf Coast.